English Reference
Noun

luminosity

n.
C1 Advanced UK /lˌuːmɪnˈɒsɪti/ lu·mi·nos·i·ty UK spelling luminosities Astronomy Physics

n.the amount of light that an object gives off. In astronomy, it helps scientists measure how bright a star is compared to our sun.

n.the total amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an astronomical object per unit of time. Often used to describe the intrinsic brightness of a star or galaxy.


SIMPLE

The star has a high luminosity.

CONTEXTUAL

Astronomers use luminosity to determine the distance to a galaxy by comparing its apparent brightness to its actual output.

COMPLEX

While the star appears dim to the naked eye, its immense luminosity suggests it is a massive, young object located far beyond our solar system.


Borrowed from French luminosité or else a native formation from luminous + -ity.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated